伞

sǎn · saan3

umbrella; parasol

Where it comes from

伞 is the simplified form of 傘. The traditional graph is commonly understood as an umbrella-like form: a broad cover above a central support, with repeated 人-shaped elements beneath it. The simplified form keeps the same clear silhouette in fewer strokes. Its early history is not as securely documented as that of oracle-bone pictographs such as 日 or 山, so this sketch is an umbrella-shaped mnemonic rather than a claim about one exact ancient form.

A piece of culture

Shelter made by hand
Traditional oil-paper umbrellas are built around bamboo ribs and a paper canopy treated to resist rain. Regional craft traditions differ in their materials, painted designs and methods. The everyday word 雨伞 / 雨傘 literally joins 雨, “rain”, with 伞 / 傘, “umbrella” — a useful new word made from a character you already know.

Use it in a real word

雨伞 / 雨傘

yǔsǎn · jyu5 saan3

umbrella

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